Pakistan Urges Taliban to Guarantee Women’s Rights in Education and Employment
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, called on the Taliban administration to fully guarantee the fundamental rights of Afghan women and girls, especially in education, employment, and social participation. He emphasized that respecting these rights does not conflict with Islamic teachings and can serve as a foundation for stability and development in Afghanistan.
Dar made the remarks on the sidelines of the 9th Islamic Cooperation Organization (OIC) Ministers’ Conference on Women held in Islamabad. He stated that the progress of nations depends on the active presence and participation of women, and that equal opportunities are one of the pillars of sustainable development and social stability.
This comes as the Taliban government, since returning to power, has imposed extensive restrictions on the education and employment of women in Afghanistan, closing girls’ secondary schools and many workplaces. These measures have sparked ongoing domestic and international criticism.
The 9th OIC Ministers’ Conference on Women began earlier this week in Islamabad, with the situation of Afghan women included on the agenda. Despite Afghanistan’s membership in the organization, the Taliban administration has not appointed any female delegates to participate in the conference; a point that once again raises questions about the Taliban’s commitment to genuine female participation in official forums.
